Glow in the dark Orchids?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I was surfing around the web and found information about a scientist who has made a glow in the dark orchid (plant and flower).

This is copied and pasted from The Central Missouri Orchid Society December 2003 newsletter:

Creating a "Glow-in-the-dark" Orchid

The world's first and only genetically modified bioluminescent orchid has been successfully developed by Prof. Chia Tet Fatt from the National Institute of Education (NIE). To create the bioluminescent orchid, Prof. Chia transformed tissues from orchids (the Dendrobium genus) using the firefly luciferase gene. Using a method called "particle bombardment", biologically active DNA from the firefly gene was delivered into orchid tissues. Transformed cells were identified by their bioluminescence trait. These transformed tissues were propagated and used to generate transgenic plants (plants with a foreign gene incorporated). This process was repeated several times, and the bioluminescent trait was present in all transgenic plants. This confirms that the firefly luciferase gene has been integrated into the orchid. Unlike the fluorescent traits which store and re-emit light energy, the bioluminescent trait of the orchid uses its own energy to create light. These bioluminescent orchids will produce constant light, visible to the human eye, for up to 5 hours in a stretch. This greenish-white light is emitted from the whole orchid, including roots, stem, leaves and petals. The intensity of light produced varies across the different parts, ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 photons per second. Genetic transformation can help supplement traditional breeding of orchids to create orchids with desirable traits, such as novel colours, longer shelf life and increased resistance to pests and diseases. It is also possible that this procedure can be used for the transformation of other species.

Cheers!
BD

[Diane]

Uhhh - NO! Sorry I have no interest in glow in the dark flowers and plants of any type.... Unless, of course, the luminescence was sufficient to act as a self incorporated grow light. Hmmm, a plant feeding itself by burning it's energy to create energy (light).

[bench72]

Unless... the luminescence was sufficient to act as a self incorporated grow light... a plant feeding itself by burning it's energy to create energy (light).

the same thought went through my head... how much can we save on lighting costs in winter! Alas, no deal...

still, I guess they can maybe use these plants instead of the plastic rubbish they twirl around during dance parties... at least these are "organic"!

cheers
tim

[Gin]

Interesting , I know they did something along those lines with tropical fish . Might of been glass fish . Thanks for sharing the article . Gin

[scopinox]

I think the plant looks wicked. Where can i get one?

Btw, do you know when the plant actually glows? Is it limited to nighttime or darkness in general?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I have no idea. I would guess that it is just like all other plants and needs light to grow. It is made of a den. so really good light to bloom.

Cheers!
BD

[JB_Orchidguy]

I WOULD LOVE ONE TOOOO!!!! Love the glow in dark effect. Way cool.

[starwhiz]

what's next, human glowing in the dark. weird but amazing.

[SaMRoza]

I think the scientist was selling the rights to this for a few mil a couple years ago. These would be banned from sale in the US, just as the glowing fish were.

Sam

[JB_Orchidguy]

Banned for sale in the US NO FAIR!!!! Looks like I need to find out where they are and smuggle some in. LOL